By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
EASTLEIGH, ENGLAND (Worthy News) – A primary school in England is facing a Christian backlash over its decision to scrap Easter celebrations to “respect diverse religious beliefs,” with Muslims and other religious groups vying for attention.
In recent days Christian protesters gathered outside the Norwood Primary School in the English town of Eastleigh in Hampshire county expressing fury over the decision. They suggested that Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Christ from death, is the Christian faith’s most important day.
The demonstrators from the Living Word Church, based in Fareham, Hampshire, held England flags outside the school with the words “Jesus: the way, the truth, the life” and “Jesus is King” printed on them.
Banners also included slogans such as “Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let’s cancel her!”
The rally came after headteacher Mander told parents that the school would no longer hold an Easter Bonnet Parade or Easter Service out of “respect for diversity.”
However, she claimed that the school would be “celebrating inclusivity” by participating in Refugee Week.
The move sparked outrage among some parents and other Christians, who criticized it as a “cultural surrender.”
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS
However, “By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honors and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families,” Mander wrote.
“We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years. However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity.”
Mander added: “We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.”
Critics said, however, that parents always had a free choice to allow their children to attend the Easter celebration in a nation that is still primarily “Christian” despite the influx of mainly Muslim asylum seekers.
One person on social media platform X wondered, “Are you planning to cancel Christmas too?”
Former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman joined the furor, stating: “This isn’t inclusivity; it’s cultural surrender. Britain’s Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who’d rather appease than preserve”.
Amid growing pressure, a school statement said later, “To be clear, we are marking Easter in school, and as with other religious festivals, children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both educationally in our [Religious Education] RE lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term.”
DOUBTS REMAIN
Yet Christian protesters raised their doubts. The tensions come amid a broader debate over the role of Christian faith and religious observance in schools.
Recently, legislators discussed the Education (Assemblies) Bill, which, if adopted, would effectively scrap Christian assemblies in public schools.
The Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, condemned the legislation in remarks seen by Worthy News.
“I am concerned that, if the Bill is passed in its current form, one consequence may be to make anything more than a wholly secular assembly illegal and contested in our schools,” she told the House of Lords, the upper house of Britain’s parliament.
“Most children would not know about the Christmas or Easter stories, nor have the opportunity to learn about other faiths, if it were not for collective worship,” the bishop added.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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